A TV for the Kitchen

When you're ready to choose a TV for the kitchen there are a few things to think about:

What size screen do you want? Under cabinet screens are generally 7 to 9 or 10 inches, while counter top screens can be larger.

Swivel Function. Under cabinet TV screens can sometimes swivel; this allows easier viewing when you aren't right in front of the screen. Counter top TVs can have a swivel base added to them. Another convenience item is the remote control, be sure it is easy to use.

Type of television. A small CRT screen can be used as a TV for the kitchen and they can save money. However they will take up significantly more space than an LCD.

Space needs. Counter top models obviously consume more counter top space, under cabinet mount models take up less space, and refrigerators with TVs included consume the least space.

Portability. If you want to have a kitchen TV that you can move around, countertop models are the best route to go.

Make sure the television has any inputs for other devices that you might want to connect to it.

Other features. Some kitchen TVs offer a clock, radio, the ability to play CDs and DVDs, a digital photo display, a cooking timer, weather information, temperature, and so forth.

The display and sound. It's best to go to a store and see the TV in action so that you can be sure that the picture quality and audio are to your liking. Then return to the web to find the best deals.

Features specific to the kitchen environment. Some TVs will also offer protection against the humidity and other risks that might be found in a kitchen; things like splatters and spills.

Counter top televisions offer the ease of simply opening the box and setting the television up on the counter. No messy installation, no tools, and no holes in the cabinets.

These kitchen TV models also offer portability. They can be moved to a different location on the counter at a moments notice or to another room if a guest arrives.

A TV for the kitchen is best designed specifically for such use so that they provide better resistence to spills and an improved tolerance of the heat and humidity present in a kitchen environment that can damage typical televisions.

An under cabinet TV for the kitchen saves even more space than their countertop cousins, conserving on needed work space. They also offer added protection because they are mounted up and away from busy counters making them nearly immune to spills and the potential of being hit or unintentionally knocked over.

Installation is not too complex but does require some tools and time. A mounted TV of course is also less readily relocated. While there are still a few ready made under cabinet models on the market, they seldom offer the picture, audio and durability that should be expected. For this reason, finding a good flat panel TV and mounting it securely under the cabinet is the better choice in most instances.

Selecting the right mount means that you need to consider the weight of the kitchen TV in order to assure the mount can support that weight. You'll need to assure it will match up with any holes in the back of the TV if necessary. Many of the mounts are universal. You'll also want to consider its adjustability to fit the space you have. A mount that allows you to rotate, tilt, or move the set vertically is ideal.

Before mounting, you will obviously need to determine where you want to locate the TV. Clearly it will need to be near a power source and any other necessary hookups such as for cable service or satellite. Ideally, it would be located away from a direct heat source, away from potential splattering (such as next to the stove or sink), and probably away from any under counter light fixtures. Be sure to consider any other hookups you may want. The space should be carefully measured to assure the TV, when placed on the mount, will fit within the space and will be viewable from where you will be in the kitchen.

The mount should come with any necessary mounting hardware, this often includes a template for drilling any necessary holes in the cabinet.

Below, you will find some good under cabinet mounts that can install quickly. Most of the small kitchen TV models above can be used with these mounts. Be sure the TV you choose for under cabinet mounting doesn't have a stand that can't be removed.

The only other real options for those wanting a kitchen TV are appliances, such as referigerators that have small TVs embedded in them or perhaps a portable TV. Portable TVs often range from 7-10" in size and thus take up little space. They are easily moved around and can even be put away after every use.

Photo Credits

Introduction: thekitchendesigner.